The bottled water market - France (2025)

1.2. growing global consumption

The size of the global bottled water market is estimated at $***.** billion in ****. This market is dynamic and evolving positively, and should continue to grow over the next few years, with an annual growth rate of *.*% between **** and ****.

Evolution of the size of the global bottled water market World, ****-****, in billions of dollars Source: ****

The evolution of the size of the global bottled water market between **** and **** shows a steady growth trend in sales, from $***.** billion in **** to an estimated $***.** billion in ****. This steady progression reflects sustained demand for bottled water worldwide.

Bottled water consumption, by country World, ****-****, in millions of gallons Source: ****

China leads the way with an increasing share of consumption, rising from **% in **** to **% in ****, underlining growing demand in this densely populated country. The USA also retains an important place in terms of bottled water consumption, albeit slightly less than China, with an increase from **% to **% over the period studied. India is also emerging as a major consumer country, with consumption rising sharply from *% to **% by ****, reflecting significant growth in demand in this developing country.

1.3. A growing French market

Table water industry sales trend France, ****-****, in billions of euros Source: ****

Sales growth in the table water industry in France, from **** to ****, shows a positive trend, with a **.**% increase in sales over this period.

After a slight drop in ****, sales fluctuated until ****, before declining again in ****. Sales increase again in ****, followed by a sharp rise in **** and ****, with sales reaching *.*** billion euros, marking significant growth compared to previous years.

Percentage of French people consuming bottled water France, ****-****, in % Source: ****

The trend in the percentage of French people consuming bottled water between **** and **** shows a certain stability, with relatively limited variations over the years, with the proportion of consumers fluctuating between **% and **% over this period. The rest of the population opts for tap water.

Market share of bottled water sales by value France, ****, % sales Source: ****

The market share of bottled water sales by value in France in **** shows a predominance of plain still waters, accounting for **.*% of the market, followed by plain sparkling waters at **%.

Flavored sparkling waters and flavored still waters, although less important in terms of market share, also contribute significantly, with *.*% and *.*% respectively. This breakdown underlines the diversity of consumer preferences, with strong demand for plain still ...

1.4 Foreign trade in bottled water

Balance of trade for the bottled water market France, ****-****, in millions of dollars Source: ****

Over the period ****-****, the value of exports fell by *.**% from $***.* million in **** to $***.* million in **** .

Imports have also fallen slightly, from $***.* million in **** to $***.* million in ****.

Despite this decrease in trade, the coverage ratio is still well over ***, suggesting that the balance of trade in the French bottled water market is in surplus, and therefore that the value of exports exceeds the value of imports.

France's main customers France, ****, in millions of dollars Source: ****

Belgium is France's main customer in this market, with exports worth $***.* million. Germany and the United States follow close behind, with export values of $***.* million and $*** million respectively. The UK and Switzerland complete the list of major customers, although their imports of French products in this field are relatively less significant, with values of $**.* million and $**.* million respectively.

These figures underline the importance of trade partnerships between France and its European neighbors, as well as with the USA, in the bottled water sector. This breakdown of exports to different countries highlights the diversification of target markets for the French bottled water industry, contributing to its resilience and competitiveness on the international ...

2.1. The French and water

In ****, tap water remains the main source of hydration for the French: **% of them say they drink it every day, compared with **% for bottled water. Nevertheless, the boundary between the two types of consumption is porous: **% of respondents are actually mixed drinkers, combining tap and bottled water in their daily routine (***).

French water consumption habits France, ****, in Source: ****

The frequency with which people drink bottled water varies greatly from region to region. For example, **% of people in Hauts-de-France say they drink bottled water every day or almost every day, compared with just **% in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Normandy (***).

Frequency of bottled water consumption by region France, July ****, in Source: ****

In terms of brands, Cristaline dominates the market: **% of French people drink it, far ahead of Evian (***). This success is due to a combination of availability, natural image and competitive price.

Awareness and consumption of bottled water brands France, July ****, in Source: ****

Bottled water is primarily consumed at home, during meals(***).

Times of consumption of bottled water France, July ****, in Source: ****

In terms of representations, the French associate bottled water with positive qualities: **% see it as natural and pure, **% as healthy, and **% as tasty. It is also perceived as a source of territorial identity ...

2.2 Barriers to bottled water consumption

Although the consumption of bottled water is widespread in France, it faces a number of economic, environmental and psychological obstacles.

While **% of French people said they had confidence in tap water in **** and ****, this rate fell to **% in ****, before rising slightly to **% in ****. This erosion of confidence mechanically fuels the use of bottled water, perceived as a safer alternative, despite a much higher economic and environmental cost.

trends in confidence in tap water France, ****-****, in Source: ****

Despite costing almost *** times less, only **% of respondents believe thattap water is one hundred times cheaper than bottled water. The majority underestimate this difference: **% think it's ten times cheaper, and **% only half as expensive. This misperception undermines the economic value of tap water.

French people's perception of the price of tap water compared to bottled water France, ****, in Source: ****

The French are increasingly sensitive to ecological issues. In ****, **% said they wanted to reduce their consumption of plastic bottles, a slightly lower rate than for reducing water consumption forhygiene (***). Environmental awareness is thus becoming a lever for change.

French people's awareness of the need to reduce their water consumption France, ****, in Source: ****

When it comes to reducing their use of plastic bottles, the motivations of ...

2.3 Focus on still bottled water consumption

Consumption of still bottled water in France remains relatively stable, underpinned by a positive perception of value for money and a wide range of consumer profiles. According to a survey carried out in ****, one French person in two considers the price of tap water to be rather cheap. This perception is particularly strong in the regions of Pays-de-la-Loire (***) have a more reserved perception.

Breakdown of still water expenditure by age group and family situation France, ****, in Source: ****

The profile of still water consumers reveals an over-representation of senior households: those in their sixtiesalone account for over **% of spending, followed by those in their seventies and over (***), who together account for a significant proportion of purchases, underlining the importance of this category in everyday spending.

Breakdown of still water expenditure by socio-professional category France, ****, % (***) Source: ****

In socio-economic terms, the middle classes - both upper and lower - form the core of still bottled water consumption, with almost **% of cumulative expenditure. Modest households account for a minority share, while affluent categories, despite their purchasing power, weigh relatively little in this segment.

Breakdown of still water expenditure by region France, ****, % of total Source: ****

Finally, the Paris region dominates in terms of geographical distribution of ...

2.4 France's favourite bottled water brands

France's favorite still water brands France, March ****, in Source: ****

Cristaline emerges as the most popular brand, closely followed by Evian and Volvic. All three brands enjoy strong popularity among French consumers, with high approval ratings ranging from **.*% to **.*%.

France's favorite sparkling water brands France, March ****, in Source: ****

Perrier stands out as the most popular brand, followed by San Pellegrino and St Yorre. These three brands enjoy relatively high popularity, with approval percentages ranging from **.*% to **.*%. However, sparkling water brands are less popular than still water brands.

Comparison of the level of appreciation of X bottled water brands by gender France, March ****, in Source: Opinionway Marque préférée des Français survey conducted in March **** - Base: representative sample of *,*** French Internet users aged ** and over Overall, women show a slightly higher level of appreciation than men for three of the four brands studied, namely Cristaline, Evian and Volvic. Men, on the other hand, show a slightly higher preference for the Perrier brand. These variations in appreciation levels between genders could be influenced by a combination of factors, such as differences in taste perception, consumption habits, individual preferences and even marketing strategies targeted specifically at each gender.

2.5 An environmental issue at the heart of French concerns

The French are deeply concerned about plastic pollution. **% feel that bottles are used too much, a criticism they level as much at companies as at public inaction. three quarters believe that public authorities are not doing enough to reduce the use of plastic bottles.

Perception of over-consumption of plastic bottles France, April ****, in Source: ****

This perception is all the more marked among higher-income households. **% of households earning over €*,*** a month consider that there is overconsumption, compared with **% of those below this threshold.

Perceived negative impact of plastic bottles on France, April ****, in Sense of information by diploma France, April ****, in Source: OpinionWay for Zero Waste France & No Plastic In My Sea, April **** Source: ****

The French widely agree that plastic bottles have a negative impact :

on the environment (***), on animals (***), and on human health (***).

These results reflect a national consensus on the environmental issues associated with plastic bottle consumption.

Sense of being well informed about the impact of bottles France, April ****, in Source: ****

Differences emerge according to level of qualification. **% of graduates with * or more years of higher education feel well informed about environmental issues, compared to **% of non-graduates. Age also plays a role: **% of those under ** say they are well informed, ...

2.6 Towards a restriction on small-format plastic bottles?

In addition to their growing confidence in tap water, the French are increasingly receptive to measures aimed at limiting the environmental impact of plastic bottles. According to an OpinionWay poll conducted in May **** for Zero Waste France and No Plastic In My Sea, **% of French people support a ban on small-format plastic bottles, with **% strongly in favor.

French support for a ban on small plastic bottles France, May ****, in Source: ****

However, support for the measure varies according to profile: men are more favorable than women(***).

gap in support by profile France, May ****, in points of difference Source: ****

This majority support for a targeted ban reflects growing environmental awareness. It also reveals that public opinion seems ready to support stricter regulatory measures on plastic packaging, provided they are perceived as concrete and effective.

3.1. value chain

The bottled water value chain begins with underground water collection, or with surface water for water that has been treated. Spring and mineral waters are consumable as they are, and undergo little treatment (***). Disinfection is prohibited. Water that has been made drinkable by treatment, on the other hand, must be disinfected in order to be fit for consumption.

The water is then bottled and distributed either to the catering and food trades, or to hypermarkets and supermarkets (***).

3.2 Number of companies and number of employees

Growth in the number of establishments registered under activity ****A "Table water industry" France, ****-****, in number of establishments Source: ****

The evolution of the number of establishments registered under activity ****A "Table water industry" in France from **** to **** shows a general stability, with a slight variation observed over this period. The number of establishments has remained relatively constant, hovering around ** to ** establishments, with a slight increase in ****, followed by a return to the **-establishment level in **** .

This stability suggests a certain maturity in the sector, where growth is not necessarily explosive, but rather maintained at a constant level. Factors influencing this stability could include steady and consistent demand for bottled water, as well as barriers to entry into the industry with players already well established in the market.

Evolution of the number of employees registered under activity ****A "Table water industry" France, ****-****, in number of employees Source: ****

The evolution of the number of employees in this market reflects a downward trend, marked by a *% decrease in the number of employees over the years. Indeed, the total number of employees fell from **** in **** to **** in ****, with annual declines observed each year over this period.

This trend can be interpreted as the ...

3.3 A highly concentrated market

Looking at the water market, we can see that it's fairly concentrated. Three groups hold more than three-quarters of the market: Neptune and Nestlé Waters, with **.*% each, and Danone, with **.*%.

Market share of leading water brands France, ****, in Source: ****

The market is divided between Danone, Nestlé and Neptune, for both still and sparkling waters. Danone and Neptune (***) are both French groups. Nestlé is a Swiss multinational.

3.4 Distribution mainly through supermarkets

Bottled water is distributed via three main channels: supermarkets for home consumption, the catering trade for consumption in bars and restaurants, and other retail outlets (***).

Market share in value of still water distribution channels France, ****, % Source: ****

The chart above highlights the dominance of large traditional retailers such as hypermarkets and supermarkets, which hold a dominant share of bottled water distribution.

Hypermarkets lead the way with **.*%, closely followed by supermarkets with **.*%. Together, these two distribution channels account for a significant share of the still water market in France.

On the other hand, online and local distribution channels, as well as specialists, play less important roles in still water distribution, although they may offer specific market niches.

3.5 A market impacted by the vagaries of the weather

The bottled water industry in France is facing increasing challenges due to the vagaries of the climate, particularly water shortages which have intensified in recent years due to drought.

According to data collected, nearly * billion liters of mineral water are drawn from France's underground aquifers every year[***]. However, since the beginning of the year, several manufacturers have been forced to reduce their withdrawals due to the alarming drop in water levels. Well-known brands such as Wattwiller, Volvic, Vittel, Perrier and Hépar have had to adjust their production, leading to stock-outs and price increases on supermarket shelves.

In May ****, Nestlé Waters had to shut down two of its boreholes in the Vosges region of France due to unfavorable weather conditions. As a result, production of Hépar water was severely impacted, representing a significant **% drop in production capacity. These shortages have had a direct impact on consumers, who are finding it difficult to find certain brands of bottled water on the market.

Yet, despite the efforts made by companies to reduce their environmental footprint, experts warn that water resources could be depleted in the long term. Hydrologist Emma Haziza points out that industrial withdrawals are not sufficient to replenish water tables, ...

4.1. The different bottled waters available

The range of bottled waters available on the French market is quite varied, with still waters, sparkling waters, flavored waters, etc. Still waters are the most widely sold in France (***).

The different still waters :

Types of water Characteristics Examples Mineral waters Underground in origin, they are bottled at their source. Natural mineral water is microbiologically sound and has a unique composition of mineral salts, stable over time. In fact, it's the only water with the health-promoting properties recognized by the French Academy of Medicine. Vittel and Evian are mineral waters. Spring waters Underground in origin, spring water is drinkable in its natural state and bottled at source. Unlike mineral waters, they are not required to have a stable mineral composition. Cristaline is a spring water. Water made drinkable by treatment Underground or surface water that can be treated in the same way as tap water, including disinfection. This category is not widely marketed in France The Smartwater brand marketed by Coca-Cola is a water made drinkable by treatment.

The different types of sparkling water : Types of water Characteristics Examples Natural sparkling water the gas comes from the very source of the water, linked to the earth's volcanic activity. Perrier and Quézac ...

4.2. Bottled water prices on the rise

Consumer price index for mineral and spring waters France, ****-****, index base *** in **** Source: ****

The consumer price index for mineral and spring waters in France, over the period **** to ****, shows significant fluctuations.

Initially set at *** in ****, the index showed slightly downward variations until ****. However, from **** onwards, an increase is observed, with the index exceeding *** for the first time (***) compared to the previous year

There may be several reasons for this recent price rise. Firstly, producers have passed on higher plastic prices to consumers, taking advantage of the market's oligopolistic structure to do so. In addition, in force since January *, ****,the EGalim law imposes limits on promotional advantages designed to reduce the selling price of a foodstuff to the consumer.[***] Lastly, companies in the sector faced increased challenges related to water supply, which could have been reflected in consumer prices.

Source: ****

There are significant price differences depending on the product category. For example, spring waters generally cost between ** and ** centimes per liter for a *-bottle pack, while mineral waters tend to cost between ** and ** centimes per liter.

4.3 More environmentally-friendly bottles

More environmentally-friendly bottles

Since the ****s, plastic water bottles have been made entirely from PET (***), a fully recyclable material. Once sorted, crushed and melted to form granules, the bottles can be reused to make pens, clothing or other bottles.

However, the reality is quite different, since a large proportion of discarded bottles are still not recycled (***). In France, nearly ** million plastic bottles are thrown away every day. Less than half of these bottles are recycled, even though they could all be recycled. [***] The waste generated by the consumption of bottled water is therefore considerable.

Brands are tackling this problem by developing innovative packaging for their products. Vittel, for example, has launched its first ***% recycled PET ** cL bottle in ****. The plastic in consumed bottles comes entirely from recycling, creating a virtuous circle where waste becomes resources. Other brands are moving into this segment: this year, Nestlé Waters increased the proportion of recycled plastic in its ** cl and ** cl Vittel and Contrex bottles to **%, and to **% in its flavored varieties. [***]

The bottle solidarity cap, launched by Cristaline in ****, was another revolution in the water bottle market. This reduces pollution by preventing the cork from being misplaced in nature. The brand was awarded the ...

4.4 Offer: the Nestlé Waters scandal and its repercussions

It all began in December ****, following a report of fraud within the Source: ****

following this report from an employee at an Alma Group factory, the Direction Générale de la Concurrence, de la Consommation et de la Répression des Fraudes (***) launched an investigation. The investigation revealed that the company was subjecting its mineral waters to treatments that did not comply with regulations: injection of iron sulfate and industrial CO*, microfiltration below authorized thresholds, as well as the mixing of water qualified as "mineral" or "spring" with water from the network, i.e. tap water.

For years, therefore, certain waters were sold as "spring" or "natural mineral" but were treated in a non-compliant manner, despite the bans in force. A joint investigation by Le Monde and Radio France revealed that almost a third of French brands, including some belonging to Nestlé, were involved in these practices. These non-compliant treatments are mainly due to occasional contamination of bacterial or chemical origin. Normally, spring and natural mineral waters should not be subjected to disinfection processes, as they come from preserved underground sources.

This survey reveals the widespread use of these non-compliant techniques, affecting millions of consumers who have been misinformed, or even ...

4.5 Flavored water, a promising trend

By ****, the flavored water segment is set to be one of the growth drivers of the BRSA market, driven by growing demand for natural, low-sugar, alcohol-free beverages. This segment appeals to consumers in search of healthy pleasure, particularly young adults and health-conscious households.

Sustained growth

The market for flavored sparkling waters is showing dynamic growth of +*% in volume over ****, according to data provided by Carola (***). But some brands are performing much better: Carola, the regional leader in the East, saw its sales of flavored waters rise by +**% in volume over one year.

Carola, an example of regional innovation

A long-standing player in sparkling water in Eastern France, Carola continues to benefit from its strategy of innovation. In ****, the brand launched a new range of ready-to-drink drinks inspired by mocktails, with three flavors: Mojito (***). These flavored sparkling waters are sugar-free and made from natural flavors, with premium positioning:

Format *.** L: €*.** Pack * x ** cl: €*.**

The first reference, Mojito, is also available in a small ** cl format, suitable for on-the-go consumption. These innovations are part of a strategy to move upmarket, while responding to the search for conviviality and the growth in "alcohol-free aperitif" consumption.

Creative recipes and local roots

Carola started out in ...

5.1 Current regulations

Quality criteria

Water is subject to specific regulations(***) which distinguishes, under this term, three types of water according to their origin, their stability and the treatments to which they have been subjected:

natural mineral water ; spring water ; water made potable by treatment.

Three types of bottled water:

Water made drinkable by treatment, in accordance with current regulations, may come from underground or surface resources. It must comply with the quality criteria applicable to tap water (***) and may undergo all treatments authorized for tap water, including disinfection. They are not widely marketed in France. Under current regulations, natural mineral waters and spring waters are exclusively of underground origin and must be microbiologically sound. No disinfection treatment is permitted.

However, in order to eliminate undesirable or toxic elements of natural origin (***). The exploitation and bottling of natural mineral waters and spring waters are subject to prefectoral authorization.

Spring water, water made drinkable by treatment and mineral water are not subject to the same quality criteria:

Spring water and water made potable by treatment must meet the same quality criteria as water delivered to the consumer's tap. They can be consumed without risk throughout a person's life. Natural mineral water must meet specific regulatory ...

5.2 Recent regulations: increase in VAT rate on plastic bottled water

As part of the examination of the Finance Bill for ****, an amendment tabled by Senator Nadège Havet was adopted by the Senate on the night of November **-**, ****. This amendment provides for an increase in the VAT rate applied to plastic bottled water, from *.*% to **%.

This measure is based on an ecological argument, the senator pointing out that thecarbon impact of bottled water is *,*** times greater than that of tap water, according to the data she cites. She estimates that this increased taxation could generate *** million euros in additional revenue for the State, while encouraging more sustainable consumption.

However, the Maison des Eaux Minérales Naturelles, which represents over **% of the mineral water sector's sales (***), would have negative effects on purchasing power, the competitiveness of companies in the sector, and the value chain as awhole. It also warns of a risk to the budgetary contributions paid by mineral extractors to local authorities, in a context of public finances already under strain.

This regulatory development is part of a wider drive to challenge the use of single-use plastics and encourage more responsible consumption, notably through tax incentives. [***]

5.3 Towards a ban on plastic bottles under 50 cl

On October **, ****, Hauts-de-Seine MP Pierre Cazeneuve (***) tabled a proposal to ban the production, distribution and use of plastic bottles smaller than ** centiliters from January *, ****. This measure mainly concerns ** cl and ** cl containers, which account for * million units put on the market every year, mainly to contain drinking water.

This draft legislation is part of the trajectory to phase out single-use plastics by ****, initiated by the AGEC law (***). It also comes at a time of international negotiations on plastic pollution, when small formats are seen as symbols of "ecological absurdity", in the words of the MP.

A parliamentary debate is scheduled between December **** and March **** to discuss the ban.

The proposal has received strong support from environmental associations such as Zero Waste France, No Plastic in My Sea and Surfrider Foundation, who are calling for its rapid inclusion on the legislative agenda. It is also backed by Biocoop, a pioneering organic retailer, which stopped selling plastic bottles in ****, forgoing around ** million euros in sales in the process. According to Frédéric Faure, vice-president of Biocoop, this decision was motivated by public health and environmental ethics issues. Since then, the distributor estimates that it has avoided *** tonnes of plastic packaging being placed ...

6. Segmentation

6.2 The analyst's eye

Background:

The French bottled water market has a well-established structure, dominated by still waters, which account for **% of sales by value. This predominance is due to a dual dynamic: daily consumption is firmly rooted in French habits, and the segment's solid growth(***) makes it the market's main growth driver today. At the same time, the export dimension of the sector remains essential, with France recording a trade surplus of over *** million dollars in ****, driven by strong international demand. This orientation illustrates a market that is both domestic and internationally oriented.

Key trends:

*ᵉ trend: Bottled waters, *ᵉ segment of non-alcoholic beverages by valueWith sales of *.** billion euros in ****, bottled waters rank behind soft-drinks (***), confirming their central place in consumption habits.

*ᵉ trend: Italy largely dominates French bottled water importsWith $***.* million, Italy alone accounts for over **% of French bottled water imports in ****, far ahead of Belgium (***).

*ᵉ trend: Cristaline outclasses all other brandsWith **% of French people claiming to consume it, Cristaline is by far the most popular brand, far ahead of Evian (***). No other brand exceeds **%.

trend *: Supermarkets remain the preferred channel for still watersHypermarkets (***).

Expectations : Growing demand for healthy, responsible alternatives:

Purchasing behaviour is evolving towards more responsible consumption. **% of French people ...

• Alma Sources (Groupe Alma - Neptune) Roxane Groupe
• Ogeu Groupe
• Nestlé Waters
• Cristaline
• Abatilles Eaux Minérales d'Arcachon
• Mont Roucous
• Hepar (Nestlé Waters)
• Fiji Water
• Evian (Danone Groupe)
• Volvic (Danone Groupe)
• Badoit (Danone)
• Perrier (Nestlé)
• Contrex (Nestlé Waters)
• Les Thermes de Vittel
• Fiée Des Lois (Intermarché Groupe)
• BE WTR
• Jolival
• Antartic
• Eau de Treignac
• Aqua Service Réunion
• Aquamark
• Bonneval Emergence
• Brasserie Milles
• Cilaos
• Eaux D'Aix Les Bains (Seab)
• Eaux De Basse Vallée
• Eaux De Saint Geron
• Eaux De Source De Treignac (Sest)
• Eaux De Zilia (Sodez)
• Eaux Des Sources De Paimpont (Sesp)
• Eaux Du Montcalm (Seem)
• Eaux Minérales D'Evian (Saeme)
• Eaux Minérales De Luchon
• Eaux Minérales De Plancoët Source Sassay
• Eaux Minérales De Ribeauvillé
• Eaux Minérales De Velleminfroy
• Eaux Minérales Gazeuses De Sainte Marguerite
• Eaux Minérales Naturelles De Quézac
• Eaux Source Miner Vernet (Sgesm)
• Edena (Sté Pour L'Exploitation Et Le Developpement Des Eaux De Source)
• Ets Raymond
• Eureau Sources
• Fdl
• Matouba Source Roudelette
• Parot (Parot Sas Eau Minerale Naturelle)
• Saint Antonin Eaux Minérales
• Source Du Val Saint Lambert
• Source Valecrin
• Sources Du Col St Jean
• Sté D'Embouteillage De L'Eau Minérale De Didier (Seemd)
• Sté D'Exploitaion Des Sources De Signes (Sess)
• Sté Des Eaux De Chorges
• Sté Des Eaux De Mont Roucous
• Sté Des Eaux De Volvic (Sev)
• Sté Des Eaux Minérales De Saint Amand (Emsa)
• Sté Des Eaux Thermales De Capes Dole
• Sté Martiniquaise Des Eaux De Source (Somes)